Growing a Greener World

- Season 3

(2012)

Today, people want locally grown, organic food more than ever before. And that demand for fresh produce is year round - not just in the spring and summer months. Which makes us wonder - how much food can we grow at home when the temperatures outside drop below freezing?

Although the words "dirt" and "soil" are often used interchangeably, to a gardener, there's a big difference. "Soil" (cue angelic music) is what gives life to a garden - full of organic matter, minerals and nutrients. But not all soil is created equal, which is why it's a great idea to get to know your soil first, so that you can make additions and amendments if anything is lacking.

As heirloom seeds continue to lose ground to modern hybrids, habitat destruction and careless stewardship, many of these diverse and treasured varieties of the past are lost forever.

If one didn't grow up on a farm, how does one learn to be an farmer? What about the specialized knowledge it takes for organic farming? Farm school. "Green Acres is the place to be; farm living is the life for me." You might remember that jingle to the opening of the popular series; Green Acres from decades ago. But today, that same desire is alive and well and spawning "Organic Farm Schools" all over the country.

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From farm fields to dinner tables across America, more people want pesticide-free vegetables, humanely-raised meat and eggs all produced in a way that isn't harmful to the environment.

This Season Two episode was chosen for a special Encore Broadcast in Season Three.

Thousands of US military veterans return home to find it difficult re-integrating into civilian life and find meaningful work.

As urban development is encroaching more and more on native landscapes, animal habitats shrink and birds and other animals in those areas are displaced.

This episode is about the renewal of Detroit, whose bleak landscape is slowing changing due to the efforts of urban farmers and community gardeners determined to grow their city's revival.

This Season Two episode was chosen for a special Encore Broadcast in Season Three.

This Season Two episode was chosen for a special Encore Broadcast in Season Three.

With more and more people growing vegetables at home, you might be thinking about trying to grow fruit and nuts as well.

The label says it's organic - so does that automatically make it the best choice when it comes to selecting what we use in our lawns and gardens?

There are a lot of reasons to sow your own seeds. Everyone has their own reasons, perhaps to save money, or just for fun, or for the variety available.

Once upon a time, there were hundreds of different breeds for every farm animal here in America and across the world.

Whether you are a novice or experienced gardener - at some point you will find yourself in need of a little gardening advice.

This Season Two episode was chosen for a special Encore Broadcast in Season Three.

What if we told you that there is a plant that requires only a small amount of water, yet stays green all year long?

This Season Two episode was selected for a special encore presentation in Season Three.

The word "permaculture" refers to a set of values and principles that utilize ecological designs and self-maintained natural systems.

New York City is considered the most densely populated city in America.

This Season Two episode was chosen for a special Encore Broadcast in Season Three.

This Season One episode was chosen for a special Encore Broadcast in Season Three.

In this episode, we feature a small, young non-profit in Durham, North Carolina with a focus on environmental sustainability and community development.

In our 26th and final episode of Season Three, we've chosen to share with you some of the information, stories, footage and photos of what happens behind the scenes.